GAA

WATCH: John Kiely on coming into the Munster SHC as All-Ireland champions

Limerick head into the 2019 Munster Senior Hurling Championship as All-Ireland champions first time since 1974 and do so with a massive target on their back.

John Kiely’s side backed last year’s All-Ireland win by capturing the 2019 Allianz Hurling League Division 1 but the Limerick manager is leaving no stone unturned in the run up to their game with Cork on Sunday.

“You are still as apprehensive as ever because you know you want to get off to a good start and want to hit the highest level of performance that you can.

“Obviously, teams will ratchet up their performances as they go through the games. Not every team is going to have that perfect performance right through each of the games.

“The intensity levels and speed of the games will no doubt incrementally improve as we go through the championship. All the teams will get better.

“As regards where we are right now, I don’t feel any different. Championship Sunday is coming up and you have got that apprehensive anticipation about you and you are looking forward to it.

“Yet, you are busy on focusing on all the details to make sure that you have not overlooked anything.”